Murray supporters confident of top-two finish

Mayoral candidate Ed Murray and campaign volunteers do some last minute phone banking Tuesday afternoon. The Wi-Fi in their office was a little weak so some split off to work in the Kaladi Brothers Coffee cafe down the street on Pike in Capitol Hill. (Bettina Hansen / The Seattle Times)

Supporters of the Ed Murray for Mayor campaign gathered tonight at The Crocodile to celebrate a primary election that many felt would ultimately go their way.

“The big question is who’s gonna be No. 2,” said Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes, who has endorsed Murray, a longtime state senator representing Capitol Hill.

One of Murray’s colleague in the Legislature, state Rep. Jamie Pedersen, was a little less confident. But he still said Murray is “likely” to finish among the top two in the nine-way race.

A recent poll showed Murray at the top the pack with 22 percent of the vote. Incumbent Mike McGinn was at 21 percent.

Today, dozens of Murray supporters came to the Belltown bar, which was adorned with the candidate’s trademark blue-and-yellow campaign signs and accented with table cloths and napkins of the same color.

A large stage was set up for Murray to speak at after the results are released around 8:15 p.m. But early on, a large screen behind the stage showed an episode of Wheel of Fortune.

Also spotted at the party was City Councilmember Tim Burgess, who has endorsed Murray.

About this blog

Politics Northwest is the go-to blog for politics in our region. The blog explores national, state and local political news and issues. Reporters from Washington, D.C., to Seattle City Hall to the state capital in Olympia contribute. Editors are Richard Wagoner and Beth Kaiman.